The child, the family and the GP: tensions and conflicts of interest for GPs in safeguarding children May 2006-October 2008 Executive summary May 2009 and Research Brief March 2010

This Executive Summary and Research Brief provide an overview of a research project (full report available on the repository) exploring the key role identified for GPs in safeguarding children. The initial focus of this research was to investigate potential ‘conflicts of interest’ where parents and children were both patients of the GP and to identify strategies for managing these conflicts. In response to initial feedback from the piloting of research tools, the focus of the research was broadened to explore and understand the range of conflicts, interests and tensions that might constrain the participation and engagement of GPs in safeguarding children and child protection processes, and the complexity of relationships between GPs, parents and children, and other professionals. A summary of the study methods, strengths and limitations and key findings is provided, together with messages for policy, research and practice